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Dilute Epinephrine vs Tourniquet for Visualization in Ankle Arthroscopy: A RCT

The Effect of Dilute Epinephrine Saline Irrigation on Field Clarity in Ankle Arthroscopic Surgery Compared to a Tourniquet: a Double-blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07349407
Enrollment
88
Registered
2026-01-16
Start date
2025-12-30
Completion date
2026-12-30
Last updated
2026-01-16

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Ankle Arthroscopy, Ankle Ligament Injury, Chronic Ankle Instability

Keywords

Arthroscopic visual field

Brief summary

This multicenter, prospective randomized controlled trial investigates the effect of dilute epinephrine irrigation versus tourniquet use on visual field clarity (VFC) during ankle arthroscopy. Patients are randomized into an epinephrine group (normal saline with 1 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine per 3 L bag; tourniquet placed but not inflated unless needed) or a standard tourniquet group. The primary outcome is arthroscopic visual field clarity assessed using a 4-point Likert-style numeric rating scale. Secondary outcomes include postoperative pain intensity at 2 and 24 hours (VAS), and the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and cardiovascular adverse events.

Detailed description

Study Objective and Design This study aims to evaluate the effect of dilute epinephrine irrigation versus tourniquet use on visual field clarity (VFC) during ankle arthroscopic surgery, while also assessing the incidence of hypotension/bradycardia events and potential cardiovascular adverse effects. This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing the intraoperative arthroscopic field clarity between patients receiving epinephrine-containing irrigation and those undergoing surgery with a tourniquet. Participants are randomized into two groups: Epinephrine Group: Irrigation fluid consists of normal saline mixed with 1 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine per 3-liter bag. A tourniquet is placed but not inflated; it may be inflated as a rescue measure if necessary. Tourniquet Group: Standard tourniquet application as routinely practiced. 3.2.4 Primary Efficacy Outcome Visual field clarity (VFC) under ankle arthroscopy, assessed using a Likert-style 4-point numeric rating scale (NRS). 3.2.5 Secondary Efficacy Outcomes Pain intensity scores at 2 and 24 hours postoperatively, measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Interventions

DRUGEpinephrine group

Irrigation fluid consisted of normal saline mixed with 1 mL of 1:1000 epinephrine per 3-liter bag. A tourniquet was placed but left deflated as a rescue measure and could be inflated intraoperatively if necessary.

DEVICETourniquet group

Standard tourniquet application

Sponsors

Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

This study was conducted using a double-blind design. After concealed randomization, only the principal investigator had access to group assignments, while participants, observers, and surgeons were blinded and identified solely by subject numbers. Upon enrollment and signing of informed consent, participants were informed that they would be randomly assigned to either the epinephrine group or the tourniquet group. Observers received only the corresponding subject numbers from the principal investigator and were responsible for data collection and recording without knowledge of group allocation. For surgeons, both groups had an inflatable tourniquet placed at the standard position prior to surgery. After verification by all three parties (participant, investigator, and surgical team), the surgeon left the room for 15 minutes. Group-specific interventions (inflating the tourniquet or not) were implemented after surgical draping was completed. Surgeons were then called in to perform th

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
15 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Able to understand the procedures and methods of the clinical trial * voluntarily provide written informed consent * Aged from 15 to 65 years old , regardless of sex * Diagnosed with a condition requiring ankle surgery * Be scheduled to undergo unilateral ankle arthroscopy

Exclusion criteria

* Patients who decline to participate in the study * Known history of heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, cardiac conduction abnormalities), diabetes, or asthma * Poorly controlled hypertension * Age under 15 years or above 65 years old * Intellectual disability * Pregnant or breastfeeding women * Known allergy to sulfites Contraindications to ISBPB (including planned injection site infection, pre-existing neurological deficits, allergy to local anesthetics, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or contralateral phrenic nerve dysfunction)

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Visual field clarity (VFC) under ankle arthroscopy, assessed using a 4-point Likert-style numeric rating scale (NRS)at 2 hoursScores are integers ranging from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating clearer visual field

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Pain intensity at 2 and 24 hours postoperatively, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)at 2 and 24 hours postoperativelyScores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more severe pain

Contacts

CONTACTzongyou Pan, Doctoral degree
panzongyou@gmail.com86-19857004757

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026